I’ve mentioned David Liss before. He’s the author of three well-reviewed historical novels: A Conspiracy of Paper, The Coffee Trader, and A Spectacle of Corruption. This Wednesday, Liss will discuss his work and sign copies of his books at Unity Temple on the Plaza: 707 W. 47th Street, 7 p.m. For more information, call Rainy Day Books at (913) 384-3126.
…is apparently a phrase uttered by Prince Charles. An interview with Eagleton was published in the NYT in January, but recently cropped up on C18-L. Conversation has ensued, although not so much about the issues Eagleton raises in the interview.
Eagleton misses the mark when he says that theorists aren’t addressing the “big questions” he wants them to address. On religion, for example, see The Puppet and the Dwarf : The Perverse Core of Christianity, On Belief (Thinking in Action)
, and The Fragile Absolute: Or, Why is the Christian Legacy Worth Fighting For? by Slavoj Zizek and Acts of Religion, by Jacques Derrida.
Via the listserv of the History of Reading Special Interest Group:
50th Annual International Reading Association Convention
San Antonio, Texas
May 1-5, 2005
In response to the International Reading Association’s desire to have consistency in all programs for the 50th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, the History of Reading SIG must have its programs ready to submit to IRA Headquarters by June 1, 2004. Therefore, proposals for presenting at the History of Reading SIG in Toronto [sic, I think they mean in San Antonio] must be received by May 1, 2004.
…I wanted to mention, again, “Listening Post,” by Mark Hansen and Ben Rubin at the Liszt Visual Arts Center. The work is beautiful, eerie, and captivating; a brief piece appeared in the NY Times when the work was at the Whitney. What the Times does not make clear, however, is that the language processed by the piece is pulled live from the Internet. (See this write-up, too.) The wall plaque explains that “[‘Listening Post’] continuously samples texts from thousands of chat rooms and other online public discussion forums.” So you, dear reader, could be part of this exhibit and not even know it.
I felt this info deserved an entry all its own, having been previously embedded in the middle of a rather long entry.
I’m pressed for time, but here are two quick stories from last night. Hopefully I’ll have time later for more detail: